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Massachusetts Aesthetician Licensing Examination (PSI National Esthetician Theory Test)
Find the current format, timing, scoring, fees, eligibility, and testing options for MA Aesthetician Exam, with direct links to official sources.
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Questions75 scored multiple-choice questions plus 10 non-scored experimental questions
Testing time90 minutes (1.5 hours), plus an introductory computer tutorial of up to 15 minutes with sample questions that is not deducted from test timing
ScoringAt least 70% required to pass the PSI National Esthetician Theory test
Exam feeUSD 155.00 Esthetician Theory test fee paid to PSI at scheduling (fees not refundable or transferable); the state license application fee is separate, paid via the Board's eLIPSE platform
Prep options
Study resources for MA Aesthetician Exam
Independent prep
Courses and study resources
Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- MA Board of Cosmetology
- Category
- Esthetics
- Current version
- PSI National Esthetician Theory Test — Massachusetts edition, Candidate Information Bulletin v1.4, effective 8/3/2026 (the version that moved license applications to the Board's eLIPSE platform while PSI continues to deliver the licensing exams)
- Where it applies
- US-MA, United States
- Exam languages
- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese
- Score scale
- Percentage score; 70% minimum to pass
- Testing provider
- PSI (under contract to the Board; the Board approves eligibility and PSI delivers the examinations)
- Format
- Closed-book computer-based multiple-choice test administered by PSI at test centers (onsite) or via live online proctoring; one question on screen at a time with the entire test taken and the pass/fail result based on the final answers
- Availability
- Year-round by appointment after the Board approves the application (PSI emails an approval notice to schedule); exam sessions available at least 6 weeks in advance; cancellation or rescheduling without forfeiting the fee requires confirmed notice at least 48 hours before the appointment
- Results
- Score report emailed to the test taker upon completion of the test; a passing candidate receives a 'PASS' report, and a failing candidate receives an overall score plus an individual score for each test topic area to guide re-examination study; after passing, the digital license is issued via eLIPSE
- Remote testing
- Available
Exam structure
75 scored questions across six theory domains by weight: Safety and Infection Control (40%), Client Consultation and Skin Analysis (19%), Skin Care (17%), Makeup (3%), Eyelash and Eyebrow (6%), Hair Removal (15%)
Where rules vary
Massachusetts state licensing examination required for the aesthetician license: candidates must complete a Board-approved school program and 'pass a written theory exam' before the Board issues the license (digital licenses issued via the eLIPSE platform after passing)
Eligibility
Complete at least 600 hours of professional training in a Board-approved aesthetics school, then apply for the license through the Board (via eLIPSE since 8/3/2026) and receive PSI exam approval before scheduling; incomplete state applications are held open 180 days before being abandoned
Retake policy
Test eligibility is good for 1 year (12 months); after eligibility expires the candidate does not retake the course but must reapply with the Board (online application) — eligibility then reinstates for another year and test fees are paid again to schedule; within the window a failing candidate pays an additional test fee and reschedules the test